Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Hello, Patch Pet Lovers!
If the treats don't kill pets… the iron oxygen absorber packets enclosed may!
According to Pet Poison Helpline's Top 10 Toxins of 2013 for Dogs, look what made the list:
"10. Silica gel packets and oxygen absorbers: Silica gel packs, found in new shoes, purses or backpacks, is rarely a concern. The real threats are the iron-containing oxygen absorbers found in food packages like beef jerky or pet treats, which can cause iron poisoning."
For the complete list of 2013's Top Toxins for dogs and cats, see my previous blog post:
http://cinnaminson.patch.com/groups/ive-got-the-scoop-on-pets/p/top-10-household-items-most-dangerou…
By: Dr. Catherine Angle, MPH Staff Veterinarian, Pet Poison Helpline
Iron
Is it toxic? Potentially toxic.
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What is it? Elemental iron granules are placed in small packets called oxygen absorbers and added to bags of prepared or dehydrated food to absorb excess oxygen. This prevents oxidization (rancidity) of the food and preserves freshness.1 Oxygen absorber packets are typically about 1 inch by 1 inch and are often found in packages of beef jerky, pepperoni, dried fruits, dog jerky treats, etc. If the oxygen absorber is broken open, dark brown or rust-colored material is visible. This material is magnetic, which allows for quick differentiation between packets containing iron and those containing silica gel or charcoal.
Why is it labeled “do not eat”? Elemental iron can cause severe poisoning, even in the small amounts contained in one oxygen absorber packet.2 It also irritates the gastrointestinal tract and has direct corrosive effects. After ingestion, vomiting (with or without blood) is one of the first signs of poisoning. In fact, vomiting is such a common finding that if a dog does not vomit, it’s probable that a toxic dose was not ingested. If the dose is large enough to cause poisoning, severe metabolic acidosis, shock and hepatic toxicity can develop one to five days after the exposure. Pet Poison Helpline’s most severe reports of iron poisoning from oxygen absorbers have occurred in small dogs (less than 15 pounds). Unless a large dog ingested several oxygen absorbers or ingested unusually large ones, poisoning is much less likely.
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Above Excerpt from: http://veterinaryteam.dvm360.com/firstline/Firstline/Are-those-packaging-freshness-packets-really-to...
By Mollie Morrissette:Heads up jerky treat fans (kidding): Dr. Michael Fox in a recent post warns of a poisoning danger with the oxygen absorber packets often found in the bags of pet treats. They contain oxygen absorbing iron that can cause iron poisoning should your pet accidentally get into a bag of treats. The silica gel packets, he feels, are rarely a concern although I would still advise caution as the silica packets are imported from China as well.
http://www.poisonedpets.com/poison-alert-iron-oxygen-absorber-packets-pet-jerky-treats/
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Lori
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